Pope Leo, the first US-born pope, praised the United States’ history of welcoming immigrants during a video address to the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia on July 3, marking the country’s 250th anniversary of independence [1, 2, 3]. Speaking live from the Vatican, he received the Liberty Medal during the event [1, 2, 3].

Reflecting on America’s founding principles, Pope Leo said, "This historic anniversary presents us with the opportunity to reflect once again on the nation's founding principles in the hope that America will remain ever true to the dream that has earned it the title of land of the free and home of the brave" [1]. He emphasized the importance of unity, justice, peace, and moderation in public discourse, calling for "a public discourse marked by moderation, respect for the views of others and an ongoing effort to find common ground" [4].

The pope highlighted that America’s recognition as a "byword for freedom" came from successive waves of immigrants who shaped the nation over 250 years. "In these past 250 years, for so many peoples throughout the world, it was the firm resolve to achieve the noble vision of the nation’s founders that made America a byword for freedom, as the country opened its doors to successive waves of immigrants," he said [3].

Though Pope Leo did not name any individual, his remarks were broadly seen as an implicit rebuke of former President Donald Trump’s hardline immigration policies and divisive rhetoric [1, 2, 4, 3]. Pope Leo has previously criticized the Trump administration’s immigration stance as well as its handling of the US-Israeli conflict in Iran [2].

The pope has not accepted Trump’s invitation to visit the White House and the United States is not included in Pope Leo’s overseas travel plans for 2026 [2]. However, he plans to visit Lampedusa, Italy, on July 4 to honor migrants who died crossing the Mediterranean Sea. His itinerary includes visits to a cemetery and migrant memorials there [2].

Joining the pro-immigrant sentiment on the anniversary, Zohran Mamdani, the first Muslim mayor of New York City, urged Americans to reject forces of exclusion and embrace inclusion [3].

Pope Leo’s visit to Lampedusa is scheduled for tomorrow, July 4, when he will pay tribute to migrants who lost their lives at sea [2].